Understanding Macular Degeneration

Every LASIK Surgeon in our network understands that one of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The first step in the prevention of any eye disease is a regular eye exam that allows our doctors to identify issues like AMD.

Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The Cause of AMD

AMD is a deterioration of the central region of the retina. The macula or central portion of the retina serves to focus central vision. This is essential to read, see fine detail, recognize faces or colors, and operate automobiles and other machinery. 

Types of AMD

• Dry macular degeneration – This, the most common form of AMD, often results in depositing of lipids in the macula, which result from thinning and/ or aging of macular tissue.
• Wet macular degeneration – Under 10% of those with dry AMD have it progress to neovascular, or Wet, AMD. This condition is when new blood vessels develop beneath the retina and then leak fluid and blood into the eye. When this occurs, permanent damage is caused to a person's retinal cells.

Prevention

Sunglasses that effectively guard against the sun's damaging UV rays and high energy visible (HEV) radiation are the best preventative measure. A healthy diet and exercise are also essential to the health of your eyes. Smokers who have early signs of AMD are also more likely than non-smokers to have their condition develop into advanced AMD.

Treatment for AMD

Nutritional supplements that contain antioxidants and multivitamins contain zeaxanthin and lutein, lessen the likelihood of advancement in dry macular degeneration.

With Wet AMD, your eye doctor may also prescribe various oral vitamin therapies. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) involves injecting Visudyne into your arm and activating it by shining a low-energy laser beam into your eye. Lucentis Treatments are monthly injections into the eye.

Additional Resources for Macular Degeneration

To learn more about Macular Degeneration, please visit:

• National Eye Institute (NEI)- Learn More About Macular Degeneration
• Healthline- Macular Degeneration Discussion
• WebMD- Macular Degeneration 
• Wikipedia- Macular Degeneration

Find an Expert Eye Surgeon Near You

Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ is your site to go for finding the right doctor for your needs.

If you think you are suffering from Age-Related Macular Degeneration, please it is important to find an eye surgeon with proven expertise.  The LASIK and cataract surgeons featured in our Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory and our Trusted Cataract Surgeons™ Directory are vision correction surgeons, who have proven expertise.  The surgeons feature in our eye surgeon directories can help properly diagnose and treat you if you believe you may have symptoms of age-related macular degeneration.  No matter what your vision care needs are, our mission is to help you find a surgeon so if you are having vision problems, please contact us and we will try to find you a surgeon near you who can help properly diagnose and treat you.